Steven Ong started running when he was 11. He joined his first half marathon in 1992 and first full marathon in 1996. Although he only started participating in ultramarathons four years ago, he has earned himself the moniker “The Trail Brain” for his remarkable strategies and self-confidence. He is also the 2017 Asia Trail Master Champion, among many other accolades.

The Johor-born is among the few selected for the 2019 Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge – a solo 298km on foot, self-supported challenge. The real challenge? Completing all 298km under 60 hours! The run will begin at 9am on February 6th, 2019 and conclude at 9pm on February 8th, 2019.

Ultramarathons are challenging, it requires persistence, resilience, courage and grit. It also requires continuous training and the right resources for race preparation. Steven believes with the right opportunities and resources, everyone – including vulnerable children – can achieve the seemingly impossible.

On a work trip to India, Steven witnessed child labourers who worked the same long hours and manual labour as adult workers, but were compensated with less. In order to supplement their family income, these children are deprived of their childhood and educational opportunities.

A child sponsor of five, Steven hopes to get 60 children sponsored as part of his upcoming challenge. Child sponsorship will pave the way for brighter futures by giving children access to the basics of life – clean water and sanitation, health and nutrition, education, livelihood and child protection. It will empower children, restore their childhood and eventually free them from the crippling cycle of poverty. Let’s support Steven in “Breaking 60” and help children in need.